Nuklear Malaysia Launches Book On Technology In Plant Breeding At International Book Festival

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) today unveiled a scientific publication titled Teknologi Nuklear dalam Biak Baka Tanaman Hiasan (Nuclear Technology in Ornamental Plant Breeding) during the International Book Festival organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here.

In a statement, the agency said the book forms part of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) efforts to raise public awareness of peaceful nuclear technology applications and to strengthen the nation’s research and development ecosystem.

“The book focuses on the application of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly mutation breeding techniques using radiation to develop new varieties of ornamental plants.

“This technology has been utilised in Malaysia for over three decades, successfully producing a variety of new plants that have contributed to the growth of the local floriculture industry,” the statement said.

The launch ceremony was officiated by MOSTI Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal and was attended by Nuklear Malaysia director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan.

In his speech, Mohammad Yusof underscored MOSTI’s commitment to broadening the use of strategic technologies, including nuclear technology, across key economic sectors such as agriculture, industry, medicine and the environment.

“This initiative aligns with MOSTI’s vision to position science and technology as the foundation of national progress, while promoting the peaceful and responsible application of nuclear technology in strategic sectors like agriculture,” he said.

He added that the effort is consistent with the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which emphasises the safe and responsible development and utilisation of nuclear technology for the benefit of the nation and its people.

The agency highlighted that since the early 1990s, it has developed more than 30 mutant plant varieties, with about 60 per cent comprising flowering and landscaping ornamental plants.

The local floriculture sector is recognised as a high-value agricultural industry contributing significantly to national economic growth, with nuclear technology providing added value through the development of new ornamental plant varieties for both domestic and international markets.

The book also provides a comprehensive overview of mutation breeding concepts, implementation methods and documentation of plant varieties developed by local researchers.

It is intended as a resource for researchers, lecturers, university students and secondary school students, offering early exposure to the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology in enhancing national wellbeing and economic growth, the statement added.

-- BERNAMA